The first F1 race in Azerbaijan took place in 2016 under the banner of the European Grand Prix, which saw Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas clocking a new top speed for an F1 car (378km/h).

Baku City Circuit, with its winding streets, inclines, descents and breathtaking turns, is rightfully considered the fastest and most unpredictable of the F1 street circuits.

Designed by German engineer Hermann Tilke, the leading track designer in F1, the Baku City Circuit is an exhibition of Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital.

Weaving around the city centre, it takes in its wonderful contrasts of east and west, ancient and modern.

Spectators can admire the 12th-century walls of the Old City along with elegant streets like Istiglaliyyat built at the turn of the 20th century which are lined by an eclectic mix of architecture.

The long finishing straight runs parallel to the tree-filled Seaside Boulevard and passes landmarks including the mysterious Maiden Tower and Soviet-era Government House.

Despite street circuits becoming increasingly popular in Formula 1, Baku remains a standout event on the calendar. It is the only F1 track to skirt around a UNESCO world heritage site, with the section around Turns 8, 9 and 10 lined by the walls of the city's charming old town.

The long pit straight, which includes the high-speed kinks of Turns 18, 19 and 20, sees cars reach speeds in excess of 220 mph and invites overtaking at Turn 1. Races have a tendency to be either utterly chaotic or somewhat routine, but with the walls so close and the speeds so high, a race-defining safety car is only ever one small mistake away.

At just over 6.003km, the Baku City Circuit is the second longest circuit in F1.

It’s also F1’s fastest street circuit with drivers comfortably reaching speeds of approximately 370km/h along the 2.1km-long straight along Neftchilar Avenue, Baku city.

Moreover, many of the 20 turns are sharp, especially around Baku’s Old City, which leaves little room for error. So skill, discipline, teamwork and fortune are more important than car speed.

Vital statistics

First Grand Prix – 2017 (2016 as the European Grand Prix)

Track Length – 6.003km

Lap record – 1m 43.009s, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2019

Most pole positions – Charles Leclerc (3)

Most wins – Sergio Perez (2)

Trivia – At its narrowest point (the Turn 8/9 ‘Old Town’ complex), the circuit is just 7.6 metres wide

Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 141 metres (shortest on the calendar)

Overtakes completed in 2023 – 50

Safety Car probability – 57%

Virtual Safety Car probability – 29%

Pit stop time loss – 19.8 seconds (including 2.5s stationary)

Azerbaijan GP race winners for previous years are as follows:

2016 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2017 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)

2018 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2019 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

2020 - Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 - Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

2022 - Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2023 - Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

The action on the streets of Baku will begin with first and second practice on Friday, September 13, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday, September 14, and then the main event, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself, on Sunday, September 15.

 

AzVision.az

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